High-power impulse magnetron sputtering and its applications

High-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HIPIMS) was introduced in the late 1990s as a unique physical vapor deposition method. The technology utilizes magnetron sputtering cathodes and high peak power density of up to 3 kW cm–2 on the target. The plasma produces a metal flux with high degree of ionization. HIPIMS has been successfully used as a substrate pretreatment method to enhance coating adhesion by promoting local epitaxial growth. As a deposition technology, HIPIMS produces high-density microstructure films. It has been industrialized and has successful applications in hard, electronic, and optical coatings.